Milano spikes Lady Tigers in season opener

Morehead, Lady Eagles rally with new rotation

BY MARIE BAKKEN

Reporter Staff Writer

Rockdale’s Joli Carpenter (left) and Shelby Evans (right) try in vain to stop a slam from Milano’s Myka Morehead in the season opener for both teams Tuesday night at Tiger Gymnasium. For more opening night photos, see page 3C.
Reporter/Bill Martin Rockdale dropped its season opener to Milano in straight sets 25-14, 25-18, 25-19 Tuesday night at Tiger Gymnasium.

The Lady Tigers trailed the entire first game, but found a few holes in Milano’s defense in the second game.

Rockdale’s middle game came together behind the hitting of Shelby Evans and Dae Dae Robertson, extending their lead to 9-5 at one point.

Bad passing and hitting errors would allow the Lady Eagles to get right back in the game, tying things up and then extending out a large lead.

Some miscommunications in Milano’s new rotation look helped the Lady Tigers stick around early in the third set, but the Lady Eagles deemed too much.

“We have six returning seniors who are very strong,” said Rockdale Coach Jason Williams. Shelby Evans will be a dominate force for us in the middle hitter position and in the back row. Morgan Laughlin will be a threat on the outside and a help on defense.

“Samantha Muston and Kelsey Ford will contribute on the front row with their hitting and blocking. Amanda Boyd is an experienced setter that will deliver the ball. Emily McCoy will be digging up all kinds of hits for us.

“ The three newcomers are senior Keilee McKeehan who will be a defensive specialist, Joli Carpenter who will set and hit on the right side, and Dae Dae Robertson who will be an awesome middle hitter for us this year.

“ The seniors have played together their whole career and show it on the court. The newcomers fit right in with each of their skill sets. I expect us to step up in tough situations and come out on top. These girls are working hard in practice and it will show on the court this year.”